So I'm having a reception soon and will need probably 20 growlers(that's 21 ounces a person, coppers). We're serving some bottles of wine as well. We plan on growlers from Castle Danger, Fitgers, Carmody, Dubh Linn.

Any ideas on other growler locations and a good 20-pack mix to satisfy a wide-ranging crowd? i.e. interesting but drinkable. Maybe I'm just asking for the three most solid/popular flavors at each location. Experts, chime in.

A curious query for the Duluth craft-beer loving crowd here: 

Are there too many beer options in town?  I know we can't have too much beer (unless we're driving), but with all the breweries & brewpubs opening up, do you think the market will become saturated?  

I guess another way to ask it is; can the Twin Ports support all the different breweries & brewpubs*? 

*This is, of course, assuming these new places put out some good, solid, brews.

I recommend the Thirsty Pagan Brewery in Superior, WI. They have a great selection!

Has anyone tried the Maple Ale at Dublinn? That sounds delicious, does anyone know if it is? I've never imbibed at Dublinn, I'm more a Fitgers/BU?Pagan girl.

Spy1: I recommend the Thirsty Pagan Brewery in Superior, WI. They have a great selection!

Then, there's that new brewery opening in Canal Park... I know everyone's going to miss the zipper factory or whatever stupid crap was there, though.

I can't remember the exact name, but Burrito Union has a beer out right now that tastes like smoked fish. How's that for original?

Lake Superior also brews an ale for Clyde that is available at their restaurant so you can add that to the list. It's good.

@Spy1 - they also have growlers available at Lake Superior Brewing too.

As for the too many options question that keeps coming up, it seems to me each brewery is completely different, whether in product or place. I love the beer vacation idea that Duluth could draw people in around its beer selection. Enjoy it as long as we can I guess.

At Thirsty Pagan right now is the Barley Burger Scotch Ale. It's been aging for 5 months so far, and will be released at 7 and 9 months to taste the aging process. Get it while you can.

The El Nino at the Brewhouse is one of the best beers I've ever had, and man have I had alot. I'm biased towards super hopped beer though; kind of a snob like that. Word on the street is there will be a new brewpub in canal park where the old spring factory was. The dreaded GMas corp. is opening it. I'll try it even though I avoid the rest of their average-at-best establishments.

I would love to showcase Twin Ports Breweries at Duluth Superior Pride this year...a craft beer tent alongside or even instead of the regular bud man?  Is that a ridiculously large undertaking?

I have heard Northern MN, WI, and MI are to beer what CA, OR, and WA are to wine. I love the beer this area has to offer. I am very particualr to the Pale Ale's of all types. It took some time though. I used to be the guy who stared blankly at a beer list and asked, "what is the most like Bud Light?" Starfire Pale Ale is my favorite Duluth beer. I am excited to try Dubh Linn's Double Hopped IPA. The last brewfest I attended, Carmody had a black pepper ale which was interesting but I am wondering if it would be good after a few pints. Lake Superior Special Ale is pretty good as well. I still am not on board with the whole Oatmeal Stout thing yet. What is a good local Stout to start sampling to get some variances on the brew?

Thanks for the list, Paul.

Dihydrogen monoxide - yep, I think the area can support a good number of local establishments (assuming they're putting out something decent). Hell, I think a concentration of brewpubs in the area can actually drive demand. After all, who would buy Bud Light when they have so many other, great options. And, folks from outside the area may target weekend getaways to Duluth/Superior specifically for the great brew. Finally, for many people of good taste, a density of brewpubs is a quality of life issue - when considering relocating, they might more strongly consider the area because of the great beer. I did. (Okay, it wasn't a huge factor in Duluth's favor, but it sure as hell didn't hurt.)

In  Crosby, after riding their great Cuyuna trail system I stopped in a liquor store and noticed a six pack of Brainerd beer and read the label and it said brewed by Lake Superior Brewing Co. but you can't get it here.

Except The Clyde thinks there is too many and thus is shelving its brew pub.  They better take the "Brewery" off their website and logo cause it aint gonna happen.

jzndyk - I oversee the beer tents at Pride. We are a nonprofit organization and the festival is a completely free event. All of our beer sales go toward paying for the event(s). It's our liquor license and we need every penny we can get. Sadly we cannot afford to share profits with the local breweries. That said - I love all the local brews we have going on here!

Thanks everyone!  I am from NH and this is the info I was looking for as a visitor!  I love trying local craft brews and typically like browns or less hoppy flavors.  Mmmm. Stout....

Dubrue opinions? I've heard mixed reactions.